News

CHELMSFORD, Massachusetts (March 6, 2026) – Six seniors were recently honored as Chelmsford High School named its Lions Pride/Rotary Student of the Month recipients for February, announced CHS Principal Stephen Murray.

Students receiving recognition were Lilly Bean and Ananya Mody from Emerson House, Kate Leonard and Ava Walsh of Hawthorne House, and Nathan Moore and Shyla Aggarwal from Whittier House.

Lilly Bean

Described as “someone who leads with her heart,” Bean is currently enrolled in Concert Choir Honors, AP Psychology, Physics, Calculus, AP French Language and Culture, Nutrition and AP Literature and Composition.

Bean distinguishes herself as an exceptional scholar, as evidenced by her induction into the National Honor Society (NHS), World Language Honor Society, National English Honor Society (NEHS) and Tri-M Music Honor Society. She has also been recognized for her musical excellence and leadership through her nomination for Best Specialty Ensemble at the METG Musical Theater Awards.

Bean serves as choreographer for both The Crescendos a cappella group and the CHS Theatre Guild; she is also a board member for the CHS Mentor Program, helping incoming freshmen navigate their transition into high school with care and confidence.

In the future, Bean plans to attend a four-year university to major in Nursing, with the goal of becoming a Pediatric Nurse.

She is the daughter of Cheryl and Mathew Bean.

Ananya Mody

“A dedicated and well-rounded student,” Mody is currently enrolled in AP Research, AP Environmental Science, AP Statistics, Honors Physics, Modern World Literature, Calculus and Nutrition.

An exceptional scholar, Mody has been inducted into both the NHS and the SNHS, where she also serves as a board member.

Mody’s dedication to service has been further recognized through her receipt of the President’s Bronze Volunteer Service Award in 2022–23 and the President’s Silver Volunteer Service Award in 2023–24. These honors were earned through her meaningful volunteer work with the Shishubharati School of Languages and Cultures of India.

In addition to academics, Mody has been an integral member of the Chelmsford High School cross country team, as well as a participant in both winter track and field and spring track and field.

Mody has also been an active member of Ecology Club throughout high school.

She is the daughter of Anna and Aparuva Mody.

Kate Leonard

Leonard is currently taking a challenging courseload that includes AP English, Introduction to Statistics, Calculus 1, Honors Anatomy and Physiology, AP Spanish Language and Culture, Studio 2: Foundations of 2D and 3D Art and Honors Biotechnology.

Her commitment to academic excellence has earned Leonard membership in numerous honor societies including the NHS, Science National Honor Society and NEHS.

Described as someone who “exemplifies the values of hard work, resilience and teamwork,” Leonard serves as a mentor in the Sophomore Success Classes helping struggling students find and implement systems to ensure their success in and out of school. She is also a mentor and general board member for the CHS Mentor Program.

An exceptional student athlete, Leonard has been an integral member of the CHS varsity cross country, varsity indoor track and field and varsity outdoor track and field teams.

This fall, Leonard plans to attend the University of Massachusetts-Lowell, where she has been accepted into the Exercise Science to Doctor of Physical Therapy Program. She has also been recruited to be a member of the Division 1 Cross Country and Track and Field Team and will continue her athletic career.

She is the daughter of Jean and James (Jim) Leonard.

Ava Walsh

Walsh is currently enrolled in Calculus 1, AP Psychology, AP Environmental Science, Modern World Literature, Design and Production, Reality Check 2.0 and Advanced Physical Education.

In addition to being a member of NHS and the World Language Honor Society, Walsh has earned the Massachusetts State Seal of Biliteracy with Distinction, a high-level honor demonstrating advanced proficiency in English and American Sign Language.

Walsh has also been a featured artist for both the Chelmsford Town Art Exhibit and the Massachusetts Art Education Association (MAEA) Youth Art Exhibit, showcasing her incredible artistic talents.

Walsh is involved in numerous activities and at CHS, including the Mentor Program, Class Representatives, Best Buddies, American Sign Language Club and Pickleball Club. She is also a three-season student athlete as a member of the varsity girls’ volleyball team, winter track and field team captain and spring track and field team captain.

Outside of CHS, Walsh has earned countless community service hours through her work with St. Mary’s Parish, helping at Unified Olympics and Youth Track Camps, setting up and helping at CHS Craft Fairs and snack shacks at athletic events, as well as helping with the Boy Scout’s Clothing Drive.

Looking ahead, Walsh plans to attend a four-year university to study business.

She is the daughter of Kristi and David Walsh.

Nathan Moore

Moore is currently taking a challenging courseload that includes AP Statistics, AP Environmental Science, AP Spanish Language & Culture, Modern World Literature, Pre-Calculus, Economics and Band Honors.

A “vibrant and dynamic individual,” Moore has earned membership into NHS, World Language Honor Society and Tri-M Music Honor Society.

Moore is heavily involved in extra-curriculars at CHS as a member of the marching band, concert band, jazz ensemble, pit orchestra, all-town wind ensemble and pep band, as well as LIME Club, Class Representatives, DECA, the Asian Student Organization and outdoor track and field.

In addition to academics, Moore has demonstrated his abilities in the DECA/Business world, earning 1st place (2026) and 3rd place (2025) in DECA Districts for Start-Up Business.

Although he is unsure of where he will be attending school, Moore plans to major in marketing and will continue to follow his passion for music on the drums and trombone.

He is the son of David and Beth Moore.

Shyla Aggarwal

“A force and a change-maker within the classroom,” Aggarwal is currently enrolled in AP Calculus, AP Statistics, AP Biology, AP Literature and Composition, Biotechnology 2 Honors, Intro to Criminal Justice, Mentoring in Sophomore Success and Reality Check.

Her dedication in the classroom has earned Aggarwal membership in NHS and American Sign Language Honor Society. She has also earned the Seal of Biliteracy in English and ASL for her fluency in both languages.

In addition to academics, Aggarwal is an active member in the Freshman Mentor Program, LIME Club and the South Asian Student Organization. She has also been an active leader in the CHS Theatre Guild, serving as an assistant master carpenter, master carpenter and student technical director.

This fall, Aggarwal will be attending Boston University to study biology.

She is the daughter of Ashish and Ritu Aggarwal.

To view the most recent Lions Pride television show, which is produced by CHSTv and hosted by Principal Stephen Murray and Deans Erin MacNeil, John MacIsaac and Jaclyn Vitale, please visit https://www.chelmsfordtv.org/shows/lions-pride.

About Chelmsford Public Schools

The Chelmsford Public School District provides all students with multiple pathways to optimize their own potential for academic excellence, leadership, and social and emotional wellness. The mission of the Chelmsford Public Schools is to educate, engage, prepare, and empower well-rounded and knowledgeable learners to PERSEVERE through challenges, demonstrate RESPECT and INTEGRITY in their words and actions, are DEDICATED to their community, and display EMPATHY as global citizens while discovering and pursuing their full potential. This PRIDE-driven culture enables all members of the school community to support the growth and development of students. For more information, please visit www.chelmsfordschools.org.